Environmental, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences

Environmental Science Major

The major in Environmental Science is a broad-based interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with an understanding of the complex interrelationships (Earth Systems Science) that exist between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere. A basic understanding of science and mathematics is fundamental to the program and all students take introductory physics, chemistry, and calculus, plus additional science and mathematics courses as appropriate for their particular option. A two course sequence (Principles of Earth & Environmental Systems I & II) provides an integrated understanding of the behavior of natural systems, a preliminary step to more focused study of a particular aspect of the natural environment. Students interested in the atmospheric environment and meteorology should select the Atmospheric Science Option, those interested in the geologic environment should select the Environmental Geoscience Option, and those interested in both the scientific and social aspects of environmental problems should select the Environmental Studies Option.

Students who are enrolled in the Environmental Studies option may elect to do the STEM Teaching Minor. This minor leads to K-12 Earth Science teaching certification as part of the BS degree. The Environmental Science degree program also provides the basic course work, with a few additional courses required depending on the option, for students who wish to pursue a graduate degree in Earth Science teaching. This one-year long Master’s in Education degree program provides the course work and the apprentice teaching experience required for certification in Massachusetts and thirty-three other states.